MasterCard Scholarship at UC Berkeley: Why It Might Be Your Next Big Opportunity

Thinking of doing a master’s degree but worried about cost? The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley could be just what you need if you qualify. This is full support for Sub-Saharan African students who want to study, grow, and lead. Here’s everything you need to know; requirements, benefits, how to apply plus tips to make your application strong.

What Is It?

• A partnership between UC Berkeley and The Mastercard Foundation aiming to develop ethical, entrepreneurial leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Focused on master’s degree programs (not for PhD or bachelor’s levels).
• From 2012 to 2020, the program supported over 120 students. From now through 2030, there are plans to support over 108 new master’s students under this scheme.

Who Is It For?

To be eligible, applicants must:

1. Be citizens of Sub-Saharan African countries (this includes refugees or displaced persons) but not North Africa.
2. Not have dual citizenship with the US, UK, Canada, or EU if that gives you permanent resident status in those places, unless your status changes.
3. Be admitted to a qualifying master’s program at UC Berkeley. Not all departments are eligible.
4. Show academic excellence in your previous studies.
5. Demonstrate leadership potential and extra-curricular or community engagement. The scholarship values people who want to give back.
6. Be from a socioeconomically disadvantaged background. If you come from a place or situation where studying abroad is hard because of money, you probably qualify.
7. Express that you intend to return to your home country afterwards to contribute there. This is part of the mission.

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

This is a fully funded opportunity. If accepted, you should receive support that includes:

• Full tuition and fees at UC Berkeley.
• Housing, meals, and all living expenses.
• Travel costs (airfare) and visa-related fees.
• Extra programs focused on leadership, entrepreneurship, and community building as part of your cohort experience.

How to Apply

Here’s a step-by-step:

1. Choose a master’s degree program at UC Berkeley that’s eligible for the Mastercard Scholars Program.
2. Apply to the master’s program through Berkeley’s regular admissions process, meeting its deadlines and requirements.
3. If your program is eligible and you meet the eligibility criteria, you will be invited to apply for the Mastercard Scholars Program.
4. Make sure your application showcases your academic record, leadership activities, community involvement, and your intent to make an impact back home.
5. Watch the deadlines! The scholarship and program timelines could be strict, especially for certain departments.

Why It’s a Powerful Option

• The opportunity to learn at one of the top universities in the world with no huge financial burden is rare.
• You’ll join a network of people who are similarly driven, this can help with future careers in Africa or globally.
• Because you’ll be encouraged (often required) to return and work in your home country, you’re more likely to make a tangible difference locally.

Ready to take action?

Apply to the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley here to check eligibility, find your program, and submit your application.

Tips to Make Your Application Stand Out

• Start early. Collect paperwork like transcripts and letters of recommendation well in advance.
• Be specific in your personal statement; show with concrete examples what you’ve done in leadership or community work.
• Highlight the “give-back” part: how will your time at Berkeley help your community or country when you return?
• Proofread everything. Typos or grammar mistakes can make a strong candidate look weak.

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